Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-27

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows how electricity is generated in a hydroelectric power station.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 7.0)

The given diagram highlights the sequential process of electricity generation in a hydroelectric power station.

Overall, the process is based on three main stages, which begin with the intake of water from a river and concludes with the supply of energy to the national grid station, while reversible turbines act as an intermediate stage. In addition, they are bifunctional in terms of the direction of pumping water.

During the day, gates of the dam are opened to allow the maximum intake of the water, which flows downward to rotate reversible turbines, which are present in the bottom of the power station. Additionally, these turbines power the generator, located at the top of the power station to produce electricity, which is transmitted through various power lines to the national grid station.

In contrast, during the night, the water moves from the low-level reservoir to the high-level reservoir, including the river, with the help of reversible turbines that play the essential role of pumps to push the water in an upward direction from the low-reservoir to the high-reservoir.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student successfully covers all parts of the task by outlining the main features of the hydroelectric power station process and highlighting the differences between daytime generation and nighttime pumping. The overview clearly identifies the sequential nature of the system and introduces the dual-action role of the reversible turbines. Key components such as the high and low-level reservoirs, the dam intake, turbines, generator, and national grid are all accurately reported. The description flows logically through the process stages without omitting major details, demonstrating a strong understanding of the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, beginning with an introductory overview paragraph followed by distinct paragraphs for daytime operations and nighttime counter-operations. Cohesive devices are used effectively to guide the reader through the cycle, such as 'Overall', 'During the day', and 'In contrast'. Referencing between reservoirs and turbines is clear and consistent. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different phases of the continuous energy cycle.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and generally flexible range of vocabulary suited to a process description. Items such as 'sequential process', 'intermediate stage', 'bifunctional', and 'transmitted' show good control of less common lexical items. Word choice is generally precise, although phrases like 'gates of the dam are opened' could be slightly more natural ('intake is opened'). Minor inaccuracies do not impede communication, and spelling is accurate throughout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The writer uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating relative clauses and adverbial clauses of time effectively ('while reversible turbines act as an intermediate stage', 'which flows downward to rotate reversible turbines'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and grammatical control is solid. There is a minor slip with an article or preposition ('from the low-reservoir to the high-reservoir'), but these do not interfere with understanding.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.